Student Guild

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Ndzerem Nodjeka Ulrich (MSIT '25)

President

Ndzerem Nodjeka Ulrich is currently pursuing a master's in information technology at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. With a background in software engineering, his leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration and innovation, focusing on unity in diversity. Ulrich has demonstrated his skills through impactful projects, including leading Inspire Week 2022 as a project manager at Pan-African Associates. As Guild President at CMU-Africa, he actively engages with student life, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. Professionally, Ulrich is a cybersecurity enthusiast, showcasing a keen interest in shaping cybersecurity policy for evolving challenges.


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Abdallah Venant Bitunguramye (MSIT '25)

Vice President

Abdallah Venant Bitunguramye is pursuing a master's in information technology at Carnegie Mellon University Africa specializing in applied machine learning. With a robust software engineering foundation, he led impactful web development projects and played a key role in enhancing data-driven capabilities as an IT and office administrator at Zamara Actuaries Administrator & Insurance Brokers Ltd. A proactive full stack developer, Abdallah showcased innovation in creating a client portal with React JS, Node JS, and MS SQL Server. Currently, serving as the vice president of the Student Guild at CMU-Africa, he brings leadership, teamwork, and a passion for technology to his diverse roles.


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Samalie Piwan (MSIT '25)

Auditor General

Samalie is currently pursuing a master's in information technology with a focus on data and applied machine learning. Her professional experience spans client management and support, payment APIs, product development, and innovation. Her background includes leading the team that won Stanbic Bank's first innovation challenge. Samalie is passionate about promoting career development in technology, and volunteers for youth-led peace-building, as well as teenage wellness initiatives. At CMU Africa, she serves as the auditor general of the Student Guild, overseeing the Guild’s operations and finances to ensure student satisfaction.


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Diane Mugunga (MSIT '25)

Communications Minister

Diane Mugungais currently pursuing a master’s in information technology at CMU-Africa, specializing in data science and machine learning. As a member of the Student Guild council, Diane serves as the communications minister, acting as a secretary and advocate for the student body.

In her leadership role, Diane facilitates communication among students, staff, and administration. She ensures student perspectives are voiced, and relays crucial information about academic and campus affairs. Diane’s passion for amplifying community voices stems from her leadership positions in previous schools. She strongly believes that open communication is vital for any thriving institution. She strives to promote transparency and ensure a voice for all, where every perspective receives equal amplification, irrespective of status, background, or viewpoint in her community. She fosters an open, judgment-free forum where ideas flow freely, perspectives are exchanged, and disagreements are resolved through dialog.


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Ian Joseph Ayitey Akotey (MS ECE '25)

Academics and Research Minister

Ian is currently pursuing a master's in electrical and computer Engineering with a concentration in software engineering at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. He is driven by a passion for technology, problem solving, and nurturing talent in the tech sphere. He has honed his teaching skills as a full-time teaching assistant, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of tech minds. Ian thrives on tackling complex challenges and looks forward to leveraging his expertise to make a positive impact in the tech landscape.


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Vital Ahishakiye (MS ECE '25)

Social Affairs Minister

Vital is currently pursuing a master of science in electrical and computer engineering with a specialization in applied machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. As a social affairs minister, he paints a vision where social life becomes the bedrock of success. His leadership style centers on fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and embracing the richness of diversity. In his world, invention thrives when people explore the environment and experiences around them. At the core, Vital aims to establish the groundwork for policies and decisions through data, making it the bedrock of effective implementation.


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Triphonia Shangwe Kilasara (MSIT '25)

Finance Minister

Triphonia is pursuing a master's in information technology with concentrations in cybersecurity and data analytics at Carnegie Mellon University in Africa. Leveraging her background in computer engineering and information technology, as well as experience as an IT auditor, she is passionate about utilizing technology securely and ethically to drive innovation. At CMU-Africa, Triphonia serves as finance minister where she oversees the management of student funds. In this capacity, she has spearheaded initiatives to increase transparency and strengthen financial controls around student finances. Driven by a vision to create solutions that better society, Triphonia is particularly interested in how cybersecurity and ethical data usage can build trust and empower vulnerable populations. She aspires to be a pioneer in this quickly evolving technological landscape.


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Nshuti Elise (MSIT '25)

Sports and Wellness Minister

Nshuti is pursuing a master's in information technology with a specialization in applied machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. With a strong background in the energy sector, Nshuti is proficient in Python, C, C++, and JavaScript, as well as big data and machine learning tools. His current research focuses on applying AI in assistive technology, particularly in developing an interactive tutor for African sign language learners using computer vision. Nshuti actively contributes to the data science community through Medium.com and demonstrates leadership as a member of the Techy Talkers Toastmasters Club and the CMU-Africa Student Guild.


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Lyria Keriane Nzabampema (MS EAI '25)

International Affairs Minister

Keriane is currently pursuing a master’s in engineering and artificial intelligence at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. With a background in actuarial science, Keriane has demonstrated her skills through impactful research, including modeling life insurance claims based on climate risks. As the international affairs minister at CMU-Africa, she actively participates in student life, creating a vibrant and supportive community. Keriane also volunteers at Solid Africa, an organization that aids vulnerable patients in Rwandan public hospitals. Professionally, Keriane is an ML and IoT enthusiast, showcasing a keen interest in enhancing agricultural outputs, with a particular focus on empowering smallholder farmers.